Textured structure for object surface

ABSTRACT

A textured structure is formed on the surface of an object. The textured structure is composed of first convexities formed on the surface of the object, and second convexities formed between the first convexities. The second convexities are formed to be smaller in width than the first convexities, and equal to or smaller than the first convexities in height.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improvement in a textured structurecomposed of fine irregularities formed in the surface of an object.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One example of a texture obtained by forming irregularities in a surfaceof an object in order to create a surface pattern is disclosed inJP-A-2003-117940. The plastic molding with a textured pattern in thispublication will be described with reference to FIG. 9 hereof.

Furthermore, JP-A-5-51882 discloses a molded sheet in which a leatherpattern and sensation are obtained by forming a texture in the surfaceof an object. This molded sheet is described with reference to FIG. 10hereof.

A molding 201 shown in FIG. 9, which is obtained by a method formanufacturing a plastic molding with a textured pattern, has a texturedpattern 203 molded on a surface layer 202.

In the molded sheet 211 shown in FIG. 10, a texture 213 such as naturalleather is molded into a surface layer 212, and a natural leather-likeappearance and sensation are created.

However, with the plastic molding 201 having a textured pattern in FIG.9 and the molded sheet 211 in FIG. 10, the textured pattern 203 or theshape of the texture 213 as such must be modified in order to change thesensation. Changing the textured pattern 203 or the shape of the texture213 in this manner causes problems in that significant changes areinduced in the visual appearance, i.e., design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided atextured structure for an object surface comprising a plurality of firstconvexities formed on the surface of the object so as to be separatedfrom each other, and a plurality of second convexities formed betweenthe first convexities, wherein the second convexities are smaller inwidth than the first convexities, and are either equal in height to thefirst convexities or are smaller in height than the first convexities.

With this arrangement, when one feels the object surface with theirfingers, the skin of the fingers between the first convexities comes incontact with the second convexities but does not sink in any further.Accordingly, the surface pressure acting on the fingers is slight andsubstantially uniform, resulting in a smooth sensation. Furthermore,since the second convexities are equal to or smaller in height than thefirst convexities, the convexities are inconspicuous and the designchanges only minimally, but the sensation to the touch is different.Accordingly, a smooth sensation can be achieved.

Preferably, the second convexities comprise pressure-receiving linksthat are formed so as to link adjacent first convexities to each other.As a result, the pressure-receiving links and the fingers come incontact over a greater surface area without detracting from the design,and an even smoother sensation can be achieved. Furthermore, thestrength of the first convexities is increased because the firstconvexities are linked together by the pressure-receiving links.

Desirably, the second convexities comprise island-shapedpressure-receiving parts that are not in contact with the firstconvexities. As a result, the island-shaped pressure-receiving parts canbe made even less conspicuous, and the desired surface area of contactwith the fingers can be ensured, allowing for a smooth sensation.

The first convexities may be formed in rows.

The first convexities may also be formed so as to have various differentshapes and sizes in top plan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described indetail below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sheet having the first textured structure ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of section 2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A is a schematic view showing a comparative example of a texturedstructure;

FIG. 5B is a schematic view showing a textured structure according to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing a textured structure according to asecond embodiment of the present invention, as seen with naked eyes;

FIG. 6B is a view of the second convexities in the second texturedstructure shown in FIG. 6A, with the convexities exaggerated so as to bevisible;

FIG. 7A is a diagram of a third textured structure of the presentembodiment as seen with the naked eye;

FIG. 7B is a view of the second convexities in the third texturedstructure shown in FIG. 7A, with the convexities exaggerated so as to bevisible;

FIG. 8A is a diagram of a fourth textured structure of the presentembodiment as seen with the naked eye;

FIG. 8B is a view of the second convexities in the fourth texturedstructure shown in FIG. 8A, with the convexities exaggerated so as to bevisible;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic molding with aconventional texture; and

FIG. 10 is a diagram of another conventional molded sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A first textured structure 11A shown in FIG. 1 is composed of multiplefirst convexities 14A formed in the surface 13 of a sheet 12, and secondconvexities 16A (see FIG. 2) that are formed between the firstconvexities 14A so as to be smaller in width in a plan view. The letterp indicates the pitch of the first convexities 14A, and the letter Findicates a finger.

The first textured structure 11A is used as a pattern for the interiormaterial of an automobile, such as the interior material of the doors ofan automobile, the armrests of the seats, or the instrument panel, forexample. Other possible examples for which the textured structure can beused include containers, consumer electronics, and other objects thatcome into tactile contact when handled.

The material for the sheet 12 is arbitrary, and rubber or a resin can beused, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the first convexities 14A of the firsttextured structure 11A are all formed with a diameter D and a height H.The narrow second convexities 16A are formed with a width W and a heighth. The diameter D is also the width Wb of the first convexities 14A.

The second convexities 16A include pressure-receiving links 21A thatlink adjacent first convexities 14A together, pressure-receiving parts22A each of which is linked to only one first convexity 14A, andisland-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23A that are formed into islandshapes and that are separate from and not connected to any firstconvexities 14A. The combination of these pressure-receiving parts 21A,22A, 23A is arbitrary.

Specifically, the second convexities 16A may be formed solely by theisland-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23A, the pressure-receiving parts22A, or the pressure-receiving links 21A.

It is also possible to form pressure-receiving links 21A andpressure-receiving parts 22A; pressure-receiving links 21A andisland-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23A; or pressure-receiving links21A, pressure-receiving parts 22A, and island-shaped pressure-receivingparts 23A.

The widths W of the second convexities 16A have a certain tolerance andcan be the widths of the pressure-receiving links 21A, the widths of thepressure-receiving parts 22A, or the widths of the island-shapedpressure-receiving parts 23A. Also, the widths W are smaller than thewidths Wb (diameters D) of the first convexities 14A. The widths W canbe arbitrarily set within a range that is narrower than the widths Wb ofthe first convexities 14A.

For example, the widths W of the second convexities 16A may be set smallenough (narrow enough) to be undistinguishable to the naked eye. If thewidths W are set to be undistinguishable to the naked eye, and if smallsecond convexities 16A are formed as shown in FIG. 2, then the visualappearance of the first textured structure 11A changes only minimallywhen viewed as in FIG. 1, but the sensation of the texture to the touchis different.

The heights h of the second convexities 16A have a certain tolerance,and are the heights of the pressure-receiving links 21A, the heights ofthe pressure-receiving parts 22A, or the heights of the island-shapedpressure-receiving parts 23A. The heights h are smaller than the heightsH of the first convexities 14A by a difference of δh, and are set toabout 0.5×H.

In the example shown herein, the second convexities 16A are formed to besmaller than the heights H of the first convexities 14A, but the heightsh of the second convexities 16A may also be formed to be equal to theheights H of the first convexities 14A. In other words, the heights h ofthe second convexities 16A may be such that h=H.

The first textured structure 11A can be produced by any method, such asshaping a surface by etching, or performing embossing, injectionmolding, or blow molding, for example.

Next, the state of the first textured structure when in tactile contactwill be described.

In FIG. 5A, when a regular textured structure 222 is touched with thefinger F, the skin of the finger F sinks in to a depth G between aconvexity 221 and an adjacent convexity 221, and the surface pressure p1that acts on the finger F increases. As a result, the normal texturedstructure 222 has a rough and dry sensation.

In the first textured structure 11A in FIG. 5B, when the secondconvexities 16A are formed between the first convexities 14A and aretouched with the finger F, the skin of the finger F positioned betweenthe first convexities 14A presses on the second convexities 16A and doesnot sink in between the first convexities 14A, and the surface pressurep2 acting on the finger F is low, resulting in a substantially uniformsurface pressure p2. Therefore, the first textured structure 11A has asmooth sensation.

The second convexities 16A have widths W (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and heightsh, but are much smaller than the first convexities 14A and areinconspicuous. As a result, the design changes only minimally, but thesensation to the touch is different. Specifically, thepressure-receiving links 21A result in a greater surface area of contactwith the finger F, allowing an even smoother sensation to be achieved.

The presence of the island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23A makes itpossible for the second convexities 16A to be even less conspicuous,ensuring the desired surface area of contact with the finger F andallowing for a smooth sensation.

Thus, the first textured structure 11A has first convexities 14A formedon the surface 13 of a sheet (object) 12. Second convexities 16Apositioned between the first convexities 14A are formed to be smaller inwidth W than the widths Wb (diameters D) of the first convexities 14A,and smaller in height h than the heights H of the first convexities 14A.The second convexities 16A are therefore inconspicuous. Accordingly, thedesign of the first textured structure 11A changes only minimally, butthe sensation to the touch is different from that of a texturedstructure composed only of first convexities, and a smooth sensation canbe achieved.

Forming the second convexities 16A with pressure-receiving links 21Amakes it possible to link the first convexities 14A together, whichimproves the strength of the first convexities 14A.

An example was described in which the heights h of the secondconvexities 16A were about 0.5×H in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, butany height within a range can be selected as long as the range is h≦H.Smaller heights h result in a rougher, drier sensation, and greaterheights h result in a smoother sensation. An even smother sensation canbe achieved if the heights h are greater than 0.5×H. In other words, ifthe heights h of the second convexities 16A are equal to the heights H,then the design changes only minimally, but an even smoother sensationcan be achieved.

Next, the second textured structure will be described with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B.

Configurations similar to those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2through 4 use the same numerical symbols, and descriptions thereof areomitted.

The second textured structure 11B shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B has firstconvexities 14B formed in the surface 13 of a sheet 12 in a leather-likepattern, and narrow second convexities 16B formed between the firstconvexities 14B.

The first convexities 14B have cloud shapes. Their heights are H. Thegaps between the first convexities 14B are set appropriately.

The second convexities 16B are formed only from pressure-receiving links21B.

The second textured structure 11B has a leather-like pattern that isdifferent from the pattern of the first textured structure 11A butproduces the same effects as those of the first textured structure 11A.In the second textured structure 11B, forming the second convexities 16Bprovides the first convexities 14B with the same appearance but resultsin a different sensation.

Next, a third textured structure will be described with reference toFIGS. 7A and 7B.

Configurations similar to those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2through 4 use the same numerical symbols, and descriptions thereof areomitted.

The third textured structure 11C shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is formedusing a molded surface obtained by etching, and has first convexities14C formed in a leather-like pattern in the surface 13 of a sheet 12,and narrow second convexities 16C formed between the first convexities14C.

The first convexities 14C have cloud shapes. Their heights are H. Thegaps between the first convexities 14C are set appropriately.

The second convexities 16C include pressure-receiving links 21C,pressure-receiving parts 22C that are linked to the first convexities14C at one end, and pressure-receiving parts 23C that are formed intoisland shapes.

The third textured structure 11C has a leather-like pattern that isdifferent from the pattern of the first textured structure 11A butproduces the same effects as those of the first textured structure 11A.In the third textured structure 11C, forming the second convexities 16Cprovides the first convexities 14C with the same appearance but resultsin a different sensation.

In the third textured structure 11C, fine irregularities are formed inthe surface of the first convexities 14C, which provides a coarsesensation to the first convexities 14C themselves.

Next, a fourth textured structure will be described with reference toFIGS. 8A and 8B.

Configurations similar to those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2through 4 use the same numerical symbols, and descriptions thereof areomitted.

The fourth textured structure 11D shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B has firstconvexities 14D formed in the surface 13 of a sheet 12, and narrowsecond convexities 16D formed between the first convexities 14D.

The first convexities 14D have star shapes. Their heights are H. Thegaps between the first convexities 14D are set appropriately.

The second convexities 16D include pressure-receiving links 21D,pressure-receiving parts 22D that are linked to the first convexities14D at one end, and island-shaped pressure-receiving parts 23D that areformed into island shapes.

The fourth textured structure 11D has a different pattern than the firsttextured structure 11A but produces the same effects as those of thefirst textured structure 11A.

The textured structures of the present embodiments were formed on sheetsin these examples, but they may also be used on panels, cylinders, andmolded articles. Examples were described in which the shapes of thefirst convexities were circles, cloud shapes, fine irregularities formedinto the convex surfaces, and star shapes, such as in the first throughfourth textured structures, but in the present invention, the shapes arenot limited to those in these embodiments, and any shapes may be used.

The first through fourth textured structures may be manufactured by anymethod, including etching, embossing, or lasers.

The textured structure of the present invention is suitable for theinteriors of automobiles, trains, and other vehicles, and forcontainers, consumer electronics, and other objects that come intotactile contact when handled.

Obviously, various minor changes and modifications of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teaching. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

1. A textured structure for an object surface, comprising: a pluralityof first convexities formed on a surface of an object so as to beseparated from each other; and a plurality of second convexities formedbetween the first convexities, wherein the second convexities aresmaller in width than the first convexities, and are either equal inheight to the first convexities or are smaller in height than the firstconvexities.
 2. The textured structure of claim 1, wherein the secondconvexities comprise pressure-receiving links that are formed so as tolink adjacent first convexities to each other.
 3. The textured structureof claim 1, wherein the second convexities comprise island-shapedpressure-receiving parts that are not in contact with the firstconvexities.
 4. The textured structure of claim 1, wherein the firstconvexities are formed in rows.
 5. The textured structure of claim 1,wherein the first convexities are formed so as to have various differentshapes and sizes in a plan view.